Bali shuts down construction after viral backlash

Bali authorities ordered demolition of a 182-meter elevator under construction, highlighting tensions between national and local oversight.

Bali’s governor has ordered the demolition of a Chinese-funded glass elevator on Nusa Penida Island after construction images sparked online outrage.

The 182-meter lift was designed to transport tourists between Kelingking Beach and its iconic cliff. Governor I Wayan Koster halted the project on November 23, citing spatial planning violations and environmental threats, according to the South China Morning Post.

Developer PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group must demolish the structure within six months and restore the site within nine months.

Koster identified permit irregularities, noting Indonesia’s automated approval system greenlit the project despite incomplete validation. Authorization reportedly covered only a ticket counter, not the full elevator.

Experts say the incident exposes misalignment between national and local government oversight. Muhammad Dzulfikar Al Ghofiqi of Airlangga University criticized approving “hard engineering” on a fragile cliff and called for an independent audit.

Architecture lecturer I Nyoman Gede Maha Putra noted regulatory gaps investors can exploit and doubted the site could be fully restored.